However, I am not sure how all the "newer" composite frames' "wonky" top tubes will clamp into it. Anyone have any experience clamping bikes with wonky carbon top tubes like those found on Giant Anthem and Pivot 429?

Work stand recommendations

Looking at these two. I like the second one as it's cheaper and looks nicer but the base will take up more space when it's set up. The first one looks like it can be closer to the wall when it's set up

I don't know about either of those but I think a stand with 4 legs would get in the way while working. There was a thread awhile back- cheap workstand shootout or something like that, maybe it would be helpful.

However, I am not sure how all the "newer" composite frames' "wonky" top tubes will clamp into it. Anyone have any experience clamping bikes with wonky carbon top tubes like those found on Giant Anthem and Pivot 429?

That's a pretty good one, you shouldn't ever clamp a carbon tube though. Always attach the clamp to the seatpost, and if you have a nice carbon post you might want to get a junk post to use for that while working on it. Clamping to stout steel or aluminum frames can be o.k., but decals and paint can be easily damaged.

I also saw a stand where the bike sits on the bottom bracket on the stand.

These are going to become more popular in the mountain bike world with all of the dropper seatposts. Between those and the heavily shaped tubes it's getting hard to find a secure place to clamp the bike. I've got a Park version and it's been solid. I definitely prefer it over my Feedback or Park shop stand for certain things. They do fold up pretty small as well.

Originally Posted by J.B. Weld

That's a pretty good one, you shouldn't ever clamp a carbon tube though. Always attach the clamp to the seatpost, and if you have a nice carbon post you might want to get a junk post to use for that while working on it. Clamping to stout steel or aluminum frames can be o.k., but decals and paint can be easily damaged.

I have an ancient Park Consumer workstand (not height adjustable, folding legs) that is probably 15+ years old.. The tubing clamp is a spring-loaded cam with 2 diameter settings and works really well. Ditto all comments about clamping into the seatpost if the bike frame is composite.

The stand is heavy and well built, but the folding leg design is clunky (for storage needs) but stable. The newer models have corrected this shortcoming.

I've also used a friend's Feedback Sports workstand and it is very nice, adjustable, and sturdy. Stores very easily and compactly.

I have an ancient Park Consumer workstand (not height adjustable, folding legs) that is probably 15+ years old.. The tubing clamp is a spring-loaded cam with 2 diameter settings and works really well. Ditto all comments about clamping into the seatpost if the bike frame is composite.

The stand is heavy and well built, but the folding leg design is clunky (for storage needs) but stable. The newer models have corrected this shortcoming.

I've also used a friend's Feedback Sports workstand and it is very nice, adjustable, and sturdy. Stores very easily and compactly.

JMJ

About four years ago I bought a Park extension kit for my Park PCS 1 which was purchased originally in 1996. If your stand has the "composite" clamp head tube it will work. It allows your older Park consumer stand to be height adjustable, definitely gave my old stand new life..... I think I paid $25 for the extension kit.

I had a stand from performance that had an annoying tendency to drop bikes. After a few NICA races I saw that everybody had the Feedback Sports stands and loved them, so that's what I bought. I've been super happy with it.

If you want to have some fun, and do it on the cheap. You can also make your own stand. A lot of the Pro mechanics even make custom stands.
From a hardware store you can get a $16 3/4" Pipe Vise, $16 for Black 3/4" Pipe. Most shops will cut the threads for you when you buy pipe. Then get a base plate to mount to floor or wall, and an elbow for the arm. You can make blocks out of wood or plastic in a concave shape to hold the seat post. Total cost under $50. But I don't know what stands go for now a days, and if they're only $150 maybe the homey is not worth it. But yet again it makes for a very strong durable stand. I made one from extra stuff some how accumulated since I wanted to have something that I didn't want to worry about. And at bike events I don't have to worry about any one running off with it. But I still have my Park too which I use most of the time. But it's nice having a couple.